The Cost way of Three Simple Options
Nepal keeps visa pricing straightforward. No hidden fees. No complicated tiers. Just three clear options based on how long you're staying:
- 15 days - $30 USD
- 30 days - $50 USD
- 90 days - $125 USD
And here's the thing that most travelers don't realize. These are all multiple-entry visas. That means you can leave Nepal, visit Tibet or Bhutan, and come back without any issues. Your visa stays active.
You don't need more time? The Department of Immigration office near Thamel Marg in Kathmandu can extend your visa up to 150 days total per calendar year. We've done this twice. It's simple. You fill out a form, pay the extension fee, and you're done.
Who Gets In Free
Here's where it gets interesting. Some nationalities don't pay a single dollar. Zero. Based on bilateral agreements, these travelers get free entry:
- SAARC countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan) - 30 days free
- Thailand, Russia, Brazil, Vietnam, Israel, Georgia, Qatar, Mongolia - 90 days free
- China and Cambodia - 30 days free
- Children under 10 years old - always free
But there's a catch for some nationalities. If you're from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Palestine, Cameroon, Swaziland, Liberia, or Syria, you need prior approval from Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs before traveling. This is a security measure. Start this process weeks before your planned trip.
What You Actually Need
Most travelers bring way too much documentation. I've seen people at Tribhuvan International Airport with folders full of hotel bookings, flight itineraries, bank statements. You don't need all that.
Here's what the Department of Immigration actually requires:
- Passport with 6+ months validity and one blank page
- One passport photo (photo booths available at airport if you forget)
- US dollars in cash for the bank counter payment
- Online visa form (optional but highly recommended)
That's it. No bank statements. No return flight proof (usually). No hotel bookings required (though having them handy doesn't hurt).
And here's what we learned after doing this process multiple times. The online form is technically optional, but it saves you 20-30 minutes during peak season. Before your flight, go to immigration.gov.np. Fill out the simple form. Get your barcode confirmation. Save it on your phone.
The form stays valid for 15 days after submission. Time it right.
Step-by-Step the Actual Process
This is where most guides get confusing. They overexplain. So let me break down exactly what happens when you land at Tribhuvan International Airport or Border Points like Kakarbhitta & Birgunj.
Step 1: Head to the visa bank counter
You land. You follow the signs that say "Visa on Arrival." You'll see the bank counter. Pay your fee in US dollars. Exact change helps but isn't required. They give you a receipt. Keep it.
If you need to exchange money, Currency Exchange counters are right there. But trust me, having US dollars ready speeds things up significantly.
Step 2: Immigration counter
Walk to the Department of Immigration officer. Hand them your passport, photo, payment receipt, and online form (if you completed it). They check everything. They might ask casual questions. "Business or pleasure?" "Where are you trekking?" Just answer normally.
They stamp your passport. Done.
Step 3: Collect bags and exit
Grab your luggage. Walk through customs. You're officially in Nepal.
Normal time? 10-15 minutes total. During peak seasons (March-May for Mount Everest, September-November for Annapurna Circuit) or festivals like Dashain or Tihar? Maybe 30-45 minutes if multiple flights land simultaneously.
And here's the thing most blogs don't tell you. The slow part isn't the visa. It's baggage claim. The visa process itself is fast. So don't stress about it.
Where This Works
Visa on Arrival is available at:
- Tribhuvan International Airport - where 90% of tourists arrive
- Major Border Points - Kakarbhitta & Birgunj (popular from Central India), Sunauli, Nepalgunj, Kodari, and others
The process is identical everywhere. Tribhuvan International Airport just has better facilities, more Currency Exchange options, and Nepal Telecom SIM card counters for immediate connectivity.
Smart Moves That Most Travelers Miss
We've watched thousands of people go through this process. The smooth ones do these things. The stressed ones don't.
Before you fly:
- Fill out the online form at immigration.gov.np
- Get exact US dollar bills ($30, $50, or $125 depending on your visa length)
- Check your passport expiration (6 months minimum required)
- Screenshot or print your online form confirmation
At Tribhuvan International Airport:
- Have documents in one accessible place
- Buy a Nepal Telecom SIM card right away (works even on Mount Everest trails)
- Skip the Currency Exchange line by bringing dollars
- Follow English signage (it's clear and well-marked)
After arrival:
- Keep your visa stamp intact and visible
- Know where the Department of Immigration office is (near Thamel Marg) for extensions
- Understand that your visa covers all major treks (Standard Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill) and UNESCO World Heritage sites
And here's what actually matters. Your tourist visa gives you complete freedom to explore. City tours around Thamel Marg. Treks to Mount Everest viewpoints. The full Annapurna Circuit. Quick treks like Poon Hill. UNESCO World Heritage temples. All accessible. Only restricted Tibet border areas need special permits.
Why Nepal Makes This So Easy
Tourism drives Nepal's economy. The government knows complicated visa processes kill tourism. So they simplified everything.
No embassy appointments. No weeks of waiting. No stacks of documents. Just show up at Tribhuvan International Airport or Border Points like Kakarbhitta & Birgunj, pay at the bank counter, get your stamp, start exploring.
This works for everyone. South American backpackers. Trekkers from Central India heading to Mount Everest. Families booking Heritage Tour Pickup for cultural experiences. Even during major festivals like Dashain or Tihar when crowds spike, the Department of Immigration keeps things moving.
The goal is simple. Get you out of the airport and into the mountains as fast as possible.
FAQs
Can I get the visa completely online before traveling?
No. Nepal doesn't offer a true e-visa system. You can fill the application form online at immigration.gov.np, which helps massively at Tribhuvan International Airport. But you still pay at the bank counter and get the stamp on arrival.
What if I only have euros or other currency?
The bank counter only accepts US dollars. No credit cards. No other currencies. Currency Exchange is available at Tribhuvan International Airport and major Border Points, but it adds time. Bring dollars.
How long can I actually stay?
Initially? Choose 15, 30, or 90 days. Need more? The Department of Immigration allows extensions up to 150 days total per calendar year. Extensions are processed at offices in Kathmandu (near Thamel Marg) or Pokhara.
Is it truly multiple entry?
Yes. You can leave Nepal for Tibet, Bhutan, or India, then return through Tribhuvan International Airport or any Border Point. Your visa remains valid for the duration you paid for.
My passport expires in 5 months. Problem?
Yes. The Department of Immigration requires minimum 6 months validity from your entry date. Renew before booking flights. This is non-negotiable.
Do I need travel insurance?
Not for visa approval. But if you're doing Mount Everest treks, the Annapurna Circuit, or any high-altitude adventures, insurance is critical. Most Heritage Tour Pickup companies and trekking guides require proof of coverage including emergency evacuation.
How long does it really take?
I've timed this personally. During normal conditions at Tribhuvan International Airport: 10-15 minutes from the bank counter to stamped passport. During Dashain or Tihar festivals or peak trekking months: 30-45 minutes maximum when multiple international flights arrive together.
Can I work on this visa?
No. Tourist visas are strictly for tourism. Standard Everest Base Camp. Annapurna Circuit. UNESCO World Heritage site visits. City tours. Leisure only. Working requires a different visa category through Nepal's embassy.
Where do I get internet connectivity?
Nepal Telecom and Ncell sell prepaid SIM cards at Tribhuvan International Airport and shops around Thamel Marg. Nepal Telecom provides better coverage in remote trekking areas near Mount Everest and along the Annapurna Circuit. Buy one immediately after getting your visa.
Best entry point from India?
Travelers from Central India commonly use Kakarbhitta & Birgunj Border Points. Both connect well to road networks reaching Kathmandu and Pokhara. The visa process is identical to Tribhuvan International Airport, just fewer Currency Exchange options.
Can I visit all the famous sites?
Your tourist visa grants access to all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kathmandu Valley temples. Lumbini (Buddha's birthplace). Chitwan National Park. Everything. Heritage Tour Pickup services from Thamel Marg arrange guided cultural tours.
What about trekking permits?
Your visa allows access to all major trekking routes. Standard Everest Base Camp. Full Annapurna Circuit. Quick treks to Poon Hill. Langtang Valley. You need separate trekking permits (TIMS card and national park entry), but those are easy to get. Only restricted Tibet border zones require additional permits beyond your tourist visa.
Consulsion
Most visa processes are designed to filter people out. Nepal's system is designed to let people in fast. The Department of Immigration created a system where you land at Tribhuvan International Airport or Border Points like Kakarbhitta & Birgunj, pay at a bank counter, get a stamp, and start your adventure. No stress. No complications. No anxiety.
Whether you're hiking to Mount Everest viewpoints, completing the Annapurna Circuit, exploring UNESCO World Heritage temples around Thamel Marg, or tackling quick treks like Poon Hill, Nepal welcomes you efficiently.
And here's what ties this all together. The visa isn't the hard part. The hard part is choosing between Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit first. Whether to spend your time on city tours or mountain expeditions. Whether to stay 30 days or extend to 150 and really immerse yourself.
Nepal is ready. The mountains are waiting. And getting in? That's the easiest decision you'll make. Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity. Bring US dollars for the bank counter. Fill out the Department of Immigration online form before you fly. And get ready for one of the most accessible and rewarding travel experiences in Asia.
The secretly wealthy don't need to prove anything. And Nepal doesn't need to make visas complicated. Both understand that what matters happens behind the scenes, not in the performance. Your visa stamp is just the beginning. What you do with it is entirely up to you.
